Analysis of polarity characteristics of lightning attachment and protection to wind turbine blades

Abstract

This study investigated the attachment of lightning polarity and protection to wind turbine blades. Positive-polarity switching impulse lightning exhibits a shielding effect on the wind turbine blade receptor, whereas negative-polarity switching impulse lightning exhibits a typical lightning attachment to the tip receptor. A wind turbine blade made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic material with a 60° blade rotation and a needle-shaped discharging electrode position at the inner section of the blade has the most vulnerable lightning protection; its failure increased to 80 % when lightning attached to areas without receptors installed. Edge receptors were proposed to supplement vulnerability in lightning protection. The space charge distribution was simulated, and a highly concentrated positive-ion space cloud was produced far away from the rod surface using a positively biased top electrode. © 2024 Elsevier Science. All rights reserved

Keywords

• Lightning protection
• Wind energy
• Renewable energy sources